There is a little something for everyone in Grenada

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

How are you holding up Toronto? Winter has decided to take it easy on us for now, but I am sure that many of you are still considering taking some time away from the Northern climate, and taking a trip to a place with warmer temperatures, clear, blue waters, sunny skies, and some rum punch perhaps?

Welcome back to another week of the Winter Wish List that has been designed to present the Caribbean to the Toronto people in the hopes that someone will be able to make that wish come true to travel to a Caribbean island that they have never been to before. This week, our wish list takes us to the beautiful island of Grenada located at the southern end of the Grenadines in the South Eastern Caribbean Sea.

With its unspoilt landscape, beautiful botanical gardens, eco and historical sites, delectable dining, tropical rainforests, and spectacular waterfalls, Grenada most definitely has something for everyone. During the months of January 2019 – August 2019, Grenada Tourism Authority reports that visitors from neighbouring Caribbean islands accounted for 18% of the market share for Grenada’s tourist arrivals. Noting this, the GTA has decided to promote Pure Grenada’s tourism offerings throughout the region with a campaign called “Something for Everyone,” an initiative showcasing the diverse experiences neighbouring travellers can enjoy in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

“Grenada has so much to offer to our neighbours from the Caribbean. A quick flight over allows travellers from the region to experience a variety of offerings such as culinary tours, hiking expeditions, diving excursions and more,” says Patricia Maher, CEO of the GTA. “Our goal for this campaign is to position our three islands Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as the destination of choice, where there is indeed something for everyone, no matter your desired interests while on vacation.”

The campaign is focusing on many of the destinations niche offerings, and includes several promotional videos, billboard campaigns, television and print advertisements. I thought it would be nice to give you a heads up on some of the fantastic tourist options provided in Grenada, and then if you would like to dig a little deeper you can.

Diving enthusiasts

Grenada has the biggest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C, which was a passenger cruise ship that sank outside St. George Harbour in 1961. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors has named Bianca C one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world. While you are in the water you can also explore the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, which became the world’s first sculpture park when it opened in 2006. There are underwater galleries in their Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, as well as colourful coral reef with more than 50 sites of intriguing underwater wonder to discover. One special feature is a circle of life-size figures cast from local children linked by holding hands. They became remodelled by the environment and coral growth, and the sculpture is located at 5 meters in depth. It is no wonder that divers of all levels from around the world are attracted to Grenada.

Food, festival, fun

For those who would prefer to stay above water, getting around Grenada is easy. If your preference is to explore the island independently, there are several vehicle rental companies to choose from, and if you want a more authentic experience, you can hop on-board a public bus, take a water taxi, or even hire a private taxi to hustle you from place to place.

One festival that you might want to include in your 2020 Grenada visit is the Grenada Chocolate Festival which will be taking place May 1^st – June 6^th, 2020. You will be able to indulge in their pure, delicious, organic chocolate and learn about the old fashioned and ethical way to grow organic cocoa. You will have an opportunity to learn from Grenadian artisans about how hand made, small batch, ethically produced, tree to bar chocolate is created. Yummy!

Another above water treat are the Grenadian waterfalls. The best part about getting to the falls is the hike that is involved. Don’t worry if you are not a hiker, falls like Annandale Falls has a paved pathway and is perfect for rock hopping and picnicking. For those who like a little excitement, you can take the trek to the Concord, Mount Carmel, and Seven Sisters Waterfalls.

Grenada is now accessible from major international cities including: Miami, New York, Atlanta, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, and the Caribbean. Cruise ships serving the island depart from Florida and Puerto Rico. For more information on Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean and the “Something for Everyone” campaign, visit www.puregrenada.com or the destination’s social media accounts, @DiscoverGrenada on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.